Cat

Getting a New Kitten

A New Kitten

Most importantly, be sure to shower your cat with affection and perhaps a treat for being such a good kitty. Also, the younger you start bathing your cat, the sooner they will eventually accept the whole ordeal as a normal activity.


Be Ready - Get Shopping

Before you bring your new kitten home, don’t forget it’s going to need a litter box, litter, food, and food dishes! A few toys would be nice, too. It is important to choose a proper kitten food- adult cat food does not contain efficient fat and protein levels that your kitten will need to grow! A food specifically made for kittens, preferably a wet food, is the optimal choice. Also, think about choosing a premium brand from a specialty pet store rather than grocery store brands. Grocery store brands are often very low quality, containing fillers and way too much salt and sugar.


Kitten Proofing

Kittens are curious. While they will enjoy the toys you provide for them, your drapes, electrical cords, and many other dangerous items will also attract the attention of your little one. Check out your home before bringing your new kitten home- make sure such dangerous items are out of reach!


Introducing Your New Kitten

Already have a cat? Don’t expect the new kitten and your older cat to become fast friends in an instant. In fact, expect a little animosity in the first few days. If possible, set the kitten up in its own room, with litter box, water, etc. Take a blanket or towel and rub the kitten down, and then take this newly “scented” article and place it in your older cat’s snoozing spot. Your cat will eventually get used to the scent.
After a day or two, you can let the door to the kitten’s room open, and both cats will slowly begin to investigate and sniff each other. You can still expect a few hisses, but in a few more days, they should settle into some kind of civil relationship.


Vet Check

If you got your kitten from a breeder, it may have already gotten its first shots. It is still advisable to take your new kitten to the vet within the first week. You can make appointments for subsequent vaccinations, as well as talk about spaying/neutering and declawing.
If you got your kitten from a farm or shelter, you should take it to the vet in no less than 2 days, especially if you have other pets. Kittens from farms or shelters often have respiratory infections, ear mites, fleas, and other common, but minor ailments that your vet can address right away. They will also need their first round of vaccinations.


Raising A Good Kitty

Start training early! If you get your new kitten accustomed to certain things like teeth cleanings, grooming time, and even baths, once your kitten is an adult, you’ll have much less hassle when you need to perform these kitty upkeep activities.
When you play with your kitten, use a toy- not your hands! Don’t let your kitten associate your hands with playtime- if they bite you, make sure you scold them and vocalize (a nice loud “Ouch!” should do) so your kitten gets the picture. Cats are fast learners if you train them early enough!
Every kitten should use a litter box without much training. If your kitten has an accident, don’t yell at them and then place them in the litter box. They will associate the litter box with punishment- which is not a good thing! Encourage your kitten to use the litter box by praising them when they are in it and offering a treat after every successful usage.
Get ready for a wonderful relationship with your new kitten!!

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